Hoyt Buck began making knives in 1902, after experimenting with tempering
steel so that it would better hold an edge. Today, the Buck Knives
reputation is carried on by third and fourth generation family members.

The 2014 Buck Knife line is massive, including both fixed and folding blade types. Most Buck knives are still made in the USA, but some of the least expensive models are now sourced overseas. Be sure you know what you are getting before buying. It is worth paying a bit more to get a Buck knife made in the USA.

The Buck 501 Squire that is the subject of this review is a single blade,
lock back, folding knife made in the USA. I think of it as a mini folding hunter. It comes
with wood scales (grip panels). The bolsters, liners and pins are nickel silver. The
blade and locking mechanism is fabricated of 420HC, a high carbon stainless
steel. A carrying pouch is included with the knife.

The overall shape of the 501 is patterned after the famous Buck
110 folding hunting knife, but the 501 is a considerably smaller and lighter
package that can reasonably be carried in a pocket. In fact, I have often
carried it as a pocket knife when hunting. The hollow ground blade has a gentle
curve to the cutting edge and (unlike the Model 110) a drop point. The blade stock is 0.094"
thick. The blade measures 2-3/4" long and the knife is 3-34" long
when closed. Through the handle the 501 is only 0.399" thick. It weighs
three ounces. A nail notch is provided for opening the blade, which is normally
accomplished with two hands.

Heat treated 420HC stainless steel is hard stuff, so if you
let it get dull it is a chore to sharpen. Touch it up after use to keep it
sharp and you will not have a problem. Buck says this about their 420HC blades:

"This is Buck’s standard blade material, because it combines the excellent wear
resistance of high carbon alloys with the corrosion resistance of chromium
stainless steels. Add our exclusive heat-treat process for superior corrosion
resistance and you have excellent tensile strength, hardness and wear
resistance. 420HC Steel is a High Carbon (HC) version of standard 420
martensitic stainless steels – they can be can be hardened to a Rockwell
hardness of Rc 58."

Specifications

Type: Lockback
folding knife

Manufacturer:
Buck Knives

Model:
501

Item
number: 0501RWS-B

Blade
length: 2-3/4"

Blade
thickness: 0.094"

Blade
material: Heat-treated 420HC stainless steel

Handle
material: Resin impregnated wood

Handle
thickness: 0.399"

Carry
system: Pocket or leather pouch sheath

Overall
length (open): 6-1/2"

Length
closed: 3-3/4"

Weight:
3 ounces

Country
of origin: USA

2015
MSRP: $63

I have owned and used Buck pocket knives since the middle
1960's and can attest to their quality and durability. I find the size of the
501 makes it a bit long and a touch heavy for daily pocket carry and a bit too
small to justify belt carry in its supplied pouch sheath. Of the two carry
methods, however, I prefer the pocket, as its thinness keeps it from seeming bulky. It
is just the right size for daily carry in a fanny pack or a woman's purse.

The wood scales are easy to grasp, feel good and look good.
The handle's concave curve helps keep the hand from slipping.

The lockback gets
its name from the rocking lock plate visible on the back of the handle. Opening
the blade causes the rocker to lock against the blade, holding it open. To
release the lock, push down on the rocker at the back of the handle.

A lockback mini folding
hunter like the Buck 501 can be a versatile tool for general cutting, cleaning
trout size fish and small game. You could even use it to
field dress a deer. The tempered 420HC blade holds its edge well, much better
than more pedestrian pocket knives, and the tip of the 501's drop point blade
is stronger than a clip point blade. Despite its slender good looks, it is a
durable knife.

The 501 isn't cheap, but the price is quite reasonable for a
knife of this quality. You are not paying for gimmicks with a 501, just quality
and craftsmanship, and you get more than you pay for.

This mini hunter is either a big pocket knife or a small
folding belt knife. Whatever you call it, the Buck 501 is a handsome, well made
knife with a single locking blade. With reasonable care it will provide a lifetime of
service. It is proudly made in the USA and covered by the Buck Forever Warrantee.